Republic Act 8491

Republic Act 8491, or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” mandates that reverence and respect shall be accorded at all times to the Philippine flag, the national anthem and other national symbols that embody the country's ideals and traditions, and express the principles of sovereignty and national

What are the prohibited acts in the Philippine flag code?

This is the most obvious, but apparently needs emphasis: you shall not mutilate, deface, defile, trample, cast any contempt or act of omission that will dishonor the flag.

What is the punishment for disrespecting the Philippine national flag?

Some of the penalties that may be imposed for violation of the flag law are as follows:

1) after proper notice and hearing, “public censure,” which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation; and

2) upon conviction by the proper trial court, a fine of P5,000 to P20,000 or imprisonment for up to 1 year

What is the Philippines national motto?

4M

The national Motto shall be “MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA.”

Philippine Flag Laws You Didn’t Know You Are Breaking

1| Adding text, pictures, designs, or marks on the flag or any image of the flag.

This is probably the most common violation of the Flag and Heraldic Code, because there are so many images on the Internet where the Philippine flag is used as a backdrop for texts, pictures, or designs. If you own or are displaying such images on your social media (are you using an edited version of the Philippine flag on your profile photo?), consider taking them down.

2| Wearing the flag on your clothing, especially on shoes.

If you think #1 was overkill, it should come as no surprise that this one is also prohibited. The Philippine flag’s design shall not be used as a base for clothing such as jackets, t-shirts, and shoes.

3| Displaying the flag front of a building or office occupied by foreigners.

We don’t know why this provision was included in the law, but it was probably added to avoid the instance of aliens handling the Philippine flag.

4| Printing, painting, or attaching a representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and similar items.

Handkerchiefs and napkins are used to wipe dirt off the face, while cushions are made to be lay or sat on, which are inappropriate for the flag.

5| Wearing the flag in whole or in part as costume or uniform.

Sports teams are susceptible to committing this mistake. If you belong to any team, remember not to use the Philippine flag as a dominant design for your jackets, jerseys, or other team uniforms and merchandise.

6| Displaying the flag in bars, clubs, and casinos or any place where frivolity prevails.

You don’t have to memorize the places where the flag shall not be displayed. If you are not sure where not to display the flag, just remember not to hang the flag in any place of entertainment, whether it is wholesome or not.

7| Using the flag on your brand or business labels.

Businesses should not make a profit of the image of the Philippine flag by using it as part of their trademark or label, including on business or calling cards.

8| Displaying the flag under any picture.

If you have to hang the flag on a wall, make sure to hang it ABOVE any painting, picture, frame, or wall hanging.

9| Hanging the flag horizontally on the wall.

The proper way to hang the flag on the wall is vertically with the blue side on the left.

10| Damaging the flag.

This is the most obvious, but apparently needs emphasis: you shall not mutilate, deface, defile, trample, cast any contempt or act of omission that will dishonor the flag.